St Joseph's Nudgee College

September 12, 2011

With approximately 1,500 students on campus each day, including 300 who live here, St Joseph’s Nudgee College is committed to ensuring everyone feels protected.  

Although this is something the College does all year round, Child Protection Week, which started on Sunday 4th September, provided the perfect opportunity to reinforce the message to the wider College community.  

“Child Protection is all about preventing and reducing the risk of harm against children as a result of sexual, physical and emotional abuse or neglect,” said School Counsellor Mr Matt Ryall. 

“We all have the right to feel safe. Unfortunately, sometimes students or staff don't feel safe. If at any time a student feels unsafe, uncomfortable or confused, we encourage them to talk to someone about it. Nothing is so awful that you can't talk to someone like your House Tutor, House Dean, favourite teacher, your parents, family, nurse, or school counsellors,” he said.

Child Protection Week is coordinated nationally by the National Association for Child Abuse and Neglect, promoting the value of children and focusing attention on the issues of child abuse and neglect. The National Committee for Professional Standards (Catholic Church) is combining with other churches and Bravehearts this Child Protection Week to promote the importance of working together for the protection of children and young people. 

Nudgee College currently has nine Child and Youth Protection contacts at the school.

“Identifying these people is the first in a three key foci presentation that will be shown to all students following the school holidays,” said Dean of Students Mr Paul Begg.

“The second focus is highlighting what the warning signs of feeling unsafe may be, a few situations where a child’s safety may be compromised and clear actions to stay safe – regardless of your age. These tips also include online and social networking safety tips.

“The final section is directed at identifying the protective behaviours and instructing all boys, not just our 9-12 year olds, how to ensure safety and what they should do when or if they ever find themselves in a difficult or confronting situation with an adult or someone older,” he said.

The Powerpoint presentation is available to current families on the parent portal.

Anyone who wants to speak with someone outside the school can contact the following agencies:

Department of Child Safety 1800 811 810 or 1800 177 135 (after hours and weekends)
Queensland Police Service (07) 3364 6464 
KIDS HELP LINE 1800 55 1800
Life line 13 11 14